Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (JKLA), Abdul Rahim Rather today interacted with media persons of different News organisations at Assembly Secretariat here to facilitate smooth and efficient coverage of the forthcoming Assembly session.

The meeting was attended by Director Information, Nitish Rajora; Secretary, JKLA, Manoj Kumar Pandit; SSP Security Civil Secretariat, Sajjad K. Bhat; Joint Director Information Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari; Deputy Director Information (PR), Javid Ahmad Rather; Assistant Director Doordarshan, veteran Journalists, bureau chiefs, senior journalists and correspondents, representatives of  All India Radio and other concerned officers.

During the interaction, Speaker Rather held detailed discussion with media fraternity on various issues concerning media professionals, identifying additional requirements to enhance their working environment during the upcoming session.  The deliberations also focused on ensuring hassle-free entry of media persons to the Legislative Assembly premises and as well as their facilitation for smooth coverage of the session.

The Speaker highlighted the vital role of media in upholding transparency and fostering informed public discourse on legislative proceedings. He emphasized that the media acts as a vital bridge between the people and the legislature, ensuring citizens remain aware of  policies, discussions and decisions that shape governance across Jammu and Kashmir.

Recognizing the significance of media in highlighting public issues, the Speaker sought cooperation from media houses for balanced and responsible reporting of the Session. He emphasized the critical role of journalists in ensuring transparency and public awareness of legislative discussions and advised them to keep public interests paramount while disbursing their professional assignments.

While reviewing arrangements for media persons, the Speaker emphasized on the importance of taking necessary measures to prevent inconvenience to journalists covering the proceedings. He instructed the Assembly Secretariat officers to prepare and issue entry passes for journalists in coordination with information department well in advance for their unhindered entry into the assembly complex.

To enhance media accessibility, the Speaker directed the information department to install sufficient number of microphones and Public Address Systems (PAS) within the Assembly Hall and its lawns, facilitating smooth interaction between dignitaries, Ministers, legislative assembly members and the journalists. He also directed the Hospitality & Protocol department to install  Shamyana with a dais for press briefings by the MLAs and Ministers.

The Speaker also directed  SSP Security, Civil Secretariat to make appropriate parking arrangements for media personnel near the Assembly Secretariat.

During the interaction, the Speaker also invited constructive suggestions from journalists for improving media engagement and coverage of legislative business. Representatives of both print and electronic media expressed their appreciation for the Speaker’s proactive approach and shared valuable inputs on improving accessibility and communication channels between the media and the Assembly Secretariat.

They highlighted key concerns like designating parking spaces, provision of high-speed Wi-Fi for seamless coverage and extension of other logistical support. The Media representatives also sought smooth distribution of entry passes for coverage from Assembly Secretariat, particularly for Accredited Journalists as well as veteran Journalists who have been in the field for decades.

In response to concerns raised by the media fraternity, the Speaker assured them that the highlighted issues would be addressed promptly and the Assembly Secretariat remains committed to ensure conducive environment for media persons to discharge their professional duties.